Chapter 43 A Contract

The woman swallowed thick at her boss's question, she knew what Mr. Collins' grumpy character was like and what he was about to tell her, she was not going to like it.

"She's not here, sir. The maid reported, and immediately, Máximo turned on his heels, visibly confused.

"What do you mean he's not here?" Where is it located? He asked seriously.

"She dated a man, her cousin, Mr. Aiden Sinclair.

- What?! Maximo exclaimed, frowning as he felt the anger he had experienced before, seeing Isabella with Aiden, burn inside him.

“Young Sinclair arrived recently; he said it was an emergency. I tried to stop them, but they claimed to have an urgent matter. The woman lowered her gaze even more, afraid of Maximo's anger.

“Where did they go? - Máximo snorted, approaching her.

“I don't know exactly, I just heard that they were going to a clinic, they mentioned that the lady's grandmother is confined for dementia, and they talked about a lawsuit.

“I understand. He grunted as he pulled out his cell phone.

The woman closed her eyes, afraid of another scream, but only heard the sound of the door closing when Máximo left.

*

It had not been easy, no lawyer in the country wanted to get involved in the matter when they found out that there was an inheritance dispute in the Sinclair family and much less when they learned that the Collins family was also involved.

Margaret had all the family's corporate lawyers on her side and none of them wanted to go against her.

Full of frustration and helplessness, Ricardo and Héctor were about to give up, when a friend who worked in the company, made a suggestion: James Hall, a lawyer in great demand and recognized in the underworld for being a cheater and liar.

Ricardo contacted him immediately and they met the same day, James did not seem very convinced to take the case because of those involved, but when he heard the exorbitant sum of money, they offered him, he could not refuse.

They had to be quick and take advantage of the next few days, because the supposed heiress was on a honeymoon trip and by the time she returned, she had to be cornered, with everything against her, no matter how many traps, lies or bribes they had to do.

It wouldn't be that hard to convince her, after all, she was an ignorant young woman and with the necessary pressure, she would give in to any request.

Attorney James Hall, chatting pleasantly with his clients Ricardo and Hector, and the director of the clinic, celebrating his next and imminent triumph in the case, when the door resounded with a loud knock.

Surprised, the director opened the door and was practically pushed away by a young girl, who came in snorting with fury, while looking for her offender.

"Uncle Ricardo, Uncle Hector..." Isabella looked at them both with a frown, and immediately, Ricardo burst into a loud laugh.

"Man?" Ha, ha, ha, don't be so presumptuous, brat... I'm not your uncle. Ricardo got up arrogantly and approached her. Isabella pursed her lips in one line.

"Well, sir," she replied, raising her face seriously. "I've come to ask you to let my grandmother out." They have to release it. Isabella said, her fists clenched in helplessness.

Héctor looked at her perplexed, surprised that the young woman had the courage to face them, while the lawyer and the director of the clinic observed the situation with interest.

- Who do you think you are to come and demand? Ricardo growled, approaching her.

"The heiress!" Aiden shouted, coming in behind Isabella.

- Don't get involved! Ricardo scolded his son. "She's not the heir to anything!" The assets are still my mother's.

"But Grandma chose her!" Aiden replied. "We all know that!" Where is your honor and dignity, father? You are unable to recognize it!

Ricardo, enraged, was about to slap his son, but the lawyer got up and intervened.

"Wait a minute..." James pushed the two men away, who were red with rage. We must find a diplomatic solution to this matter. After all, we're civilized humans, aren't we? He asked, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, as he glanced sideways at Isabella.

"Gentlemen, I want to see my grandmother right now..." Isabella insisted.

"No, brat..." Ricardo tried to reply, but he was silenced by James.

"Give me a moment, Ricardo..." The lawyer turned to Isabella. "This can be fixed, miss.

"Madam..." Isabella corrected, frowning.

"Oh, yes... Right, you're the lady who just married young Collins, aren't you? Isabella nodded. "And where is your spouse?"

"He... He's not here, he must be in the office. Isabella replied, surprised by the question.

- Of course! Mr. Collins must be a very busy man..." A somewhat sinister smile formed on James' face, and he began to walk around the office with slow steps. "Well, Mrs. Collins, I am glad to inform you that I could arrange for her to see her grandmother and even”" let Mrs. Sinclair go home with you.

"What?" Isabella looked at him, confused.

"In exchange for what?" Aiden interjected.

"Ah, very well, child! In exchange for something very simple... A signature. The lawyer replied.

"A signature?" Isabella and Aiden looked at him suspiciously.

"Mrs. Collins must sign a document in which she renounces the succession of property...

"What?" You are crazy! Aiden growled, stepping forward. "Give up the Sinclair inheritance?!

"Kid, your lawyer should have told you, there's nothing they can do anymore. The succession of inheritance was never carried out, the assets belong to Mrs. Margaret, and as her future legal guardians and children, Ricardo and Hector will keep the Sinclair fortune... This document is just a formality, and if Isabella signs it, she will be able to take Mrs. Margaret with her right now.

All the men present, except Aiden, smiled maliciously, as if they were in the middle of a horror movie.

It was true, the lawyer had said that there was nothing to be done, but... If there was no solution, why did they want Isabella to sign that document?

"As I told you, this is just a bureaucratic document, to keep everything in order..." The lawyer continued when he saw the look of doubt on Isabella and Aiden's faces. "It's just to avoid any future claims, which could be awkward..."

Isabella looked down thoughtfully, she didn't have much knowledge of legal matters and Aiden's lawyer had lost hope, what should she do?

"After all, Mrs. Collins doesn't have to worry about the inheritance..." James looked at Isabella. "You have a fortune secured now that you are married to Mr. Collins..." added the lawyer. "So, isn't it more important to help your grandmother than worry about that inheritance?"

The lawyer left the question in the air, aware that he had touched a sore spot for Isabella, who showed an expression of deep concern.

- If I sign, will they let grandma go and not bother her anymore? Won't they try to lock her up again? Isabella asked, doubtfully.

“Of course. “The lawyer affirmed. Ricardo and Hector nodded, going with the flow.

"Isabella, don't sign anything, this is clearly a trap. Aiden murmured next to her.

"Aiden, call your lawyer, come back..."

"What?" Aiden looked at her strangely.

"We'll talk to him first and make sure what they say is true." If there are no other options, then we will ask you to draw up a contract..." Isabella explained.

“A contract? They all looked at her perplexed.

- Yes, I will sign the succession of assets so that they let the grandmother go, but first, you will sign a contract in which you swear that you will leave the grandmother alone... I have to make sure they keep their word.